2. amps-preamps
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System Advice Please

Well, it's time to do my part to help the ailing economy. I'm looking at an electronics upgrade in the near future and could use your input. Current system features Daedalus Audio DA-1.1 speakers driven by an ARC 150.2 and SP16 preamp. An Esoteric X-03SE and VPI Scout/Dyna 20XM round out the sources. Cables are Empirical Design all the way around.

Right now I'm focusing on the electronics with the goal of substantially improving my vinyl playback and getting better sound all around--particularly dynamics, detail and staging.

Here are the options I'm considering:

Art Audio/Gill Alana preamp with built in phonostage OR Modwright 9.0SWLP Signature Edition preamp. These will most likely be driving a McCormack DNA-125 with platinum mods or a stock DNA-500.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on either of these preamps, particularly those of you who have paired either with the McCormack amps.

The other option is to keep my ARC 150.2 and add an LS-26 with a PH5 phonostage.

Thoughts? Thanks everyone.
128x128dodgealum
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,375 posts
 
You could certainly use a better cartridge. The 20X is nice and good for the money but hardly the magic you will get with a better cart like the Shelter 90X for example.
sns
3,295 posts
 
I'm in exactly the same boat as you, trying to get better performance out of my Scoutmaster/Dyna 20xl setup.

I would go with a seperate phono stage, very rare you get equal performance out of a built in phono stage.

So, I would go with the LS-26 with PH5, or keep your SP16 and use the extra money for a better phono stage, something like Art Audio Reference.
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
The SP16 is a weak link. I would tend to agree with SNS and recommend the LS-26 with the PH-5 setup. That is, if you are basically satisfied with the ARC sound.
eee3
214 posts
 
Ditto the LS-26, PH-5 it will take you a lot further. There's a synergy with ARC equipment, that combination will be excellent.
samhar
1,048 posts
 
I have heard the LS-16 (5 mo ago) and the LS-26 (2 weeks ago) in my system. The LS-26 sounded to " HI-FI" for my taste, a big disappointment as I wanted to pair it with the VS-115 I already have, thinking it would be an improvement over my Calypso!!! The Calypso has a more "natural" sound, the 6H30 tubes in the LS-26 can't be switched out for NOS, so your stuck no home cooking there!

You might look into an Aesthetix Janus, used $3700.00 on Agon New $6500.00

I think replacing the LS-16 is a must first step.
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